2005 National DNA Day "Teach the Teachers"

On March 11, 2005, the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) gathered 11 high school science teachers in Bethesda, M.D. for the first "Teach the Teachers" workshop to prepare educators for National DNA Day on April 25.

The National Human Genome Research Insitute's (NHGRI) Education and Community Involvement Branch organized the half-day event to provide the teachers with resources to help their students learn about genomic science and its impact on society. In addition to listening to presentations by three leaders in the field of genomics, the teachers took part in hands-on exercises and toured the labs of genomic researchers.

Sharon Terry, president of the Genetic Alliance, an advocacy group for patients and families affected by genetic conditions, spoke to the teachers about "Connecting Genomics to Society." Ms. Terry said that many members of her group are willing to go to schools to share their insights and experiences with genetic diseases, which usually sparks great interest among students. "What a great idea to have a real person touched by genetic diseases speak to us," said one teacher who took part in the workshop. "I would like a consumer to speak at my school."

NHGRI's Deputy Scientific Director Andy Baxevanis, Ph.D., talked about "The
Future of Genomics," providing an overview of the Human Genome Project
and examining the impact it will have on everything from biology to medicine
to ethics. "I was made more aware of the history of the genome project
and where NHGRI is headed now," commented one teacher. "I like learning
about how it will be applied, as opposed to just the science."

Elaine Ostrander, Ph.D., chief of NHGRI's Cancer Genetics Branch, gave a presentation
entitled, "Dog Star Rising: Progress and Promise of the Canine Genome Project."
She discussed how comparing the dog genome with the human genome is helping
scientists better understand disease processes in both species. Dr. Ostrander's
research will be featured on NHGRI's free, on-demand DNA Day webcast on April
25, 2005. (See National DNA Day for more information.).

Following the talks, Belen Hurle, Ph.D., a science educator fellow in the Education
and Community Involvement Branch, led the teachers through two, hands-on activities:
a DNA extraction from a strawberry, and a DNA modeling activity. The teachers,
who were from Maryland and Virginia, then toured NHGRI laboratories, getting
a rare, inside look at the cutting-edge research that takes place at the institute.

National DNA Day commemorates the completion of the Human Genome Project in
April 2003 and the discovery of DNA's double helix in April 1953. To ensure
that the teachers' genomic learning experience continues well beyond 2005 National
DNA Day, each educator was paired with a "DNA Day Mentor" - a member
of the NHGRI staff who will serve as a scientific resource for the teacher and
his or her students throughout the entire school year.

NHGRI's Education and Community Involvement Branch plans to evaluate the "Teach
the Teachers" program to assess its impact and build upon its success in
future years.